Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya! We had several special activities within the last weeks: a successful Open House with a good group of newcomers. Many of the participants stayed for the full program (trial class, asana demonstration and lecture, cooking-workshop and Satsang) until the evening. The monthly cooking class on another Saturday was on the topic of “Vegetarian Cooking in Spring”. The series of the advanced asana workshops continued with two workshops this month, one was on lotus variations, the other one focused on backward-bending variations concluding with the pigeon. We also started a new “Open Meditation Course”. In each course session a different aspect of the meditation techniques will be presented and practiced. The course is open for Beginners’s’ as well as for persons who already have some meditation experience. On the first weekend of March we went for our traditional spring-retreat to “Finkenwerder Hof” – a wonderful retreat place in the countryside surrounded by many lakes about two hours from Berlin. We had a good group of participants – some of them are coming already to the Centre, some were new. Everybody enjoyed the asana classes, the lectures, Satsangs and walks in nature with meadows full of the first spring flowers. If you want to join us for our next retreat: it will be from Friday 28 April to Monday 1 May in a place called Neu-Schönau, also close to Berlin. Greeting from Sivananda Yoga Centre Berlin! OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. During March two” Beginners’ course” began. Many Karma Yogis were helping us. Three new teachers began to teach classes. We gave the workshop “Yoga of the Heart”. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of March the two Beginners’ courses continued at the Centre. Sivani and Ambika finished translating for TTC in Vietnam. Sivani came back to Chengdu right away. Ambika stayed at the Ho Chi Minh Centre for further training. At the same time, we prepared for upcoming programs with Swami Sitaramananda in March at the Centre and other cities.

During mid-March Shakti and Saraswati finished teaching the two Beginners’ courses. Both the teachers and students enjoyed the process of simple and practical teaching. We held another open house on a Sunday, which was a highlight at the Centre. New students and some old friends came to the program of the day. At the same time, we prepared the Centre to welcome our visiting acharyas, Swami Sitaramananda and Swami Narayanananda. Om Namo Narayanaya to all the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. At the beginning of March we finished a Ladies Beginners’ course successfully. The third floor of the main building’s work was finished. Rearrangement of our garden work was finished. Our staff Meenakshi was in an accident and has almost recovered and started taking classes, with God’s grace. We started the Summer season in Tamil Nadu. One of our staff Mr Naveen Babu left Centre for his future goals. We wished him best in his career.

During mid-March we started Ladies Beginners’ on 13th March with good number of students. The Centre’s compound work continued. All of our regular students were more than happy to do asanas in new hall which has a sea side view. More enquires were happening at our new reception and new boutique. Vishnavi, from Mexico, and Asha, from Kerala, joined as Karma Yogis. With grace of God and Gurus blessings everything was fine and everyone healthy. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of March programming and website updating were the focus of attention, now that construction was completed so we can get back to normal functioning. It’s wonderful having daily Satsangs in the new space. By the grace of Master and Swamiji, courses at the Centre progressed nicely. We had several first time new students joining us for open classes and Satsang.

During mid-March, with the major remodel project completed, it was time to focus on smaller maintenance issues that need addressing. With the help of several Karma Yogis, phase one of cleaning out the garage commenced. We cleared out the garbage and debris left behind by the contractors. It will need several more Karma Yoga sessions to get it completely cleared and organized. Classes continued nicely, the Yoga 1 concluded and a new Yoga 1 started. Minakshi left the Centre to spend a month at the Yoga Ranch before she headed back to Canada. Raghurama also left the scene since his presence here was specifically for the renovation project. We thanked them for their service during these last several months and wished them both all the best. With the support of many good hearted teachers and Karma Yogis, there is enough help to keep the Centre running smoothly. By the grace of Master and Swamiji, staff are regular in their Sadhana and are doing well. Sending pranams to all! Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of March a weekend Beginners’ course started. This was the first time we offered this class at 2:00-3:30pm but nearly ten students joined this class. All other classes were crowded with many students. A special workshop was offered one Sunday, with teacher Krishna’s, who is a Karma Yogi at Ho Chi Minh Centre for long time. Students learned a lot from his sharing. One resident at the Centre left and a new one came to stay here for one month. Guru’s grace was always with us.

During mid-March it was beautiful. The open class in the afternoons was always full of students. The Beginners’ course and pregnancy class were running well, too. Two Vietnamese students stayed at Centre and did Karma Yoga very well. Staff members Sivashakti and Shambho took the Sadhana Intensive at the DaLat Ashram. Soma and Omkari came to Centre to support the enter for 2 weeks of Sivashakti and Shambho’s absence. We kept our practice regular and have faith in the Lord. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. By the grace of Guru and God’s blessing the Dwarka Centre’s activities continued on very well throughout March. The Centre’s activities continued quite well with the active support of staff and Karma Yogis. We started Weekday/Weekend Beginners’ classes. We conducted a Headstand workshop. Our staff and teachers participated in the International Yoga Fest for 2017 – a curtain raiser held at Talkatora Stadium, Central Delhi. We distributed our Brochure and Yoga Life magazines to create awareness among the masses about Sivananda Yoga. We had advance classes as usual on Wed, Sat & Sundays and Kids/Trial class on Sundays. We offered a Shat Kriya workshop. Meditation/Satsang was conducted by Vijay ji which was attended by many students/their relatives followed by Prasad and nice dinner. The atmosphere was spiritually charged. We also had a Teachers meeting in which we discussed about various corrections in asanas. Apart from that all the open classes and special classes continued, as well.

Mid-March was quite nice with the active contribution of staff and Karma Yogis. We started a weekday Beginners’ class at 6 am and 4 pm Mondays. We continued the advance classes on Wed, Sat & Sundays and the Kids class and Trial classes on Sundays. A four day Meditation workshop began and we got a very good response. Meditation/Satsang was conducted by Vijay ji, followed by Prasad and dinner for all. Apart from that all the open classes and special classes went well. We pray to the Almighty for peace and joy to everyone. Om Namo Narayanaya. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. The beginning of March started with our daily Satsang and open classed scheduled at 5am and 6:30am. We conducted “Yoga for Spine” workshop one Wednesday. Vipin joined the Centre as a staff after the Noida Centre closed. We participated in the International Yoga Day program, organized by Ministry of Ayush and Morarji Desai National School of Yoga, scheduled from March 8th to March 10th. We were given a stall to sell our books, distribute booklets and our brochures. We successfully conducted a 2 hour workshop which was attended by good number of people. The participants were interactive and satisfied with the answers given by Kapoorji.

During mid-March we celebrated the Holi festival. The regular open class at 6:30am was held as per regular schedule. The two Beginners’ course started on Tuesdays at 6:30am and 4:00pm instead of Monday. We started the “Foundation to Meditation” course on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. We also started a weekend intensive Beginners’ course at 8:00am. The Saturday morning and Sunday evening Satsangs were conducted as usual, energizing and uplifting the attendees and the Centre. With the blessings of the Gurus all the regular weekly scheduled open classes, gentle yoga, courses, Satsang, Kids yoga and prenatal yoga went well. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. Highlight of the month was a very beautiful Sivaratri celebration with serious and devoted souls, many of them staying until the end. Teachers supported us with playing tablas and came with a lovely Prasad. The altar was radiant with many flowers and the pure and uplifting energy could be felt for days. On the weekends, we had an intensive Beginners’’s courses with an inspired group of students, some of them coming back after a longer pause to restart or to continue their practice. On a Saturday we had a fasting day with students and staff fasting on vegetable broth and carrot juice. Everybody enjoyed the lightness and the Sattva created by the collective effort. Also a cooking class was held about vegetarian cooking with a wok and all of us enjoyed the tasty and sattvic menu. On a Sunday, we had a photo shooting for the next brochure with inspired teachers and close students. A new computer was installed in the office and some renovation work started in the main hall for another week. Afterwards the ceiling was painted and spring cleaning started with the help of Karma Yogis. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. At the opening to the month of March we had a very nice week at the Centre. We started the new Yoga Beginners’ course 1, taught by Sarada, with a good number of attendants. A highlight was the outdoor yoga class in the park with 13 students joining. Everybody loved the class so much because there was a lot prana recharging from being in Nature. Our weekend Satsangs also welcomed a lot of new students and TTC graduated teachers. We looked forward to another blessed year of teaching here in the City and now with a beautiful Ashram nearby!

Mid March we welcomed back Ganga and Ambika, staff of Chengdu Centre, from the Dalat Ashram, and sent Durga to the Ashram for Sadhana Intensive course. After the TTC, we are blessed to have 2 new staff joining us in HCM: Nitya and Kirti. We started one Yoga Beginners’ course level 1 and a Yoga Beginners’ course level 2, and one Meditation course as well. Each course had a good number of attendants. Beside those courses, we also had other training programs for new TTC graduated teachers to learn how to teach bilingual open classes. The programs were well attended by the new teachers. We had a full well attended weekend workshop event with course such as Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training – a 15 hour course taught by Padma; an Ayurveda “Healing Your Life” course, taught by Deviyani; a Backbend Variation workshop, taught by Krishnadas and Restorative Yoga, taught by Ganga. These courses brought lots of people to the Centre and made the energy of the Centre very high. Thank you for the chance to serve and share the teaching of Yoga to others. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya. The beginning of March saw a joyful third week of the TTC. We started with the Kriya workshop which was certainly an icebreaker! There was much enthusiasm from the students who tried (and succeeded) in many of the exercises. The philosophy deepened again in the main lectures, and we had the remaining anatomy sessions, interspersed with beautiful springtime silent walks giving the minds of the students a rest. We had the second of a series of talks on Sanskrit one evening, where we studied the syllable Om and the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra. We also held a chanting Satsang for the students which they fully embraced, we have a few very enthusiastic chanters in the group. We welcomed 14 students, many who were here for the first time, to participate in the cooking workshop entitled ‘A diet for a peaceful mind – simple vegetarian dishes to cook at home’. The students loved it and were gushing with enthusiasm about the food and atmosphere of the Centre. During a Sunday evening Satsang we held the second performance of the musical theatre ‘Krishna Jai’, it was a very joyful event with lots of laughs and appreciation from the students. Arjuna departed from the Centre after a month of service.

Mid-March saw a wonderful end to the TTC with the introduction to advanced pranayama and samanu. We had the final few philosophy and Gita lectures. During the evening Satsangs we practiced Likhita Japa and watched the ‘Life after Life’ film by Raymond Moody. The study day arrived and students were very serious with their revision, revising in groups in the reception and some alone. By the grace of God and the Masters, the exam went successfully and all students passed, bringing forth 12 new shining Yoga Siromanis into the world. The graduation was a very lovely event, the celebration feast was Italian themed and was certainly a feast, the students loved it. After the students had all left, there was only a moment for the Centre to feel quiet, then in came the regular students for their classes. Centre life continues as usual, with many new courses and special programs. We announced our ‘Donate a footstool’ campaign as part of the ongoing renovations, we already have one footstool donated so it’s a start! Staff had an outing to some gardens where Spring really was in full bloom. The flowers and fresh buds gave such prana. Minds were soothed by the green open space. Upon the return to the Centre, the early evening sunlight was warming the Peace Garden, shining its light on the little spring flowers which bring such joy and happiness. May the Masters bless us all. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! At the beginning of March we had a “Meditation for Anxiety & Stress” weekend, with Swami Dharmananda. Students spent the weekend at the Centre to take five workshops and have community lunch. We learned about the source of stress, why meditate, how the mind functions, instructions of meditation and how to deal with specific negative emotions. Students were attentive with many questions and very happy to hear the teaching. A group of 11 first-year Jesuit novices joined a Wednesday evening Satsang, led by their teacher Francis Clooney, a Catholic priest and a Hinduism scholar from Harvard University. They were introduced to silent meditation and kirtan. We talked about Master and Swamiji, explaining the 4 paths of yoga and 5 points of yoga life. The Satsanga participants were very open-minded, recognizing our spiritual practices being the same at heart.  It was an expansive Satsang, by sharing all our spiritual journeys we become joyous to find Unity in Diversity. Swami Dharmananda shared Master Sivananda’s inspiring words on Love to a well-attended Sunday Satsang. We celebrate the birthday of Karma Yogi Archna as a spiritual family. By invitation, Swami Dharmananda and staff visited Jesuit Novitate for a mass and dinner. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! Classes and courses were well visited. Masters are also bringing much support from volunteers in all the departments of the Centre. We had the Saturday Seminar “Art of relaxation” with 23 participants who spent a full day  with us: two asana workshops, one lecture, a delicious meal in the sunny terrace and a special Satsang about Raja Yoga for calming the mind. It was a good and relaxing experience for all. The Open day on 18th of March saw 74 participants, most of them coming due to active social media promotion. The group was young and dynamic and we received some enrolments afterwards. Preparations for the Easter Retreat in Almería, South Spain  continued and inscriptions are coming although the retreat is almost full with 65 adults and 10 children confirmed. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. In March all classes continued well, as scheduled, with pleasant weather in Madurai. Few private classes were conducted for the people. A Ladies’ Beginners’ course started at 4:00 pm. We started weekend classes for Jain community in Jain Temple. All activities of the Centre continued as scheduled. A number of students were away due to school exams. We gave a short awareness class about Yoga Meditation in a nearby park. We also printed a single page handout of our summer programs to distribute in the parks and to visiting students.

The weather was unusually cool mid March. We had few very good rains, of course, which would help any water problem in Madurai City, especially during upcoming peak summer months. We continued the weekend Ladies’ asana classes for the Jain community in the nearby Jain Temple. All other classes in Centre were running well. The Summer courses and workshops were designed building our anticipation for a good Summer. Praying for every one health and peace in large Sivananda family. Pranams to one and all from Madurai Centre. May Gurus blessings be with us always. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!!

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! Hari Om! At the beginning of March Kanti Devi and Chandrashekar came back after Brazil TTC, ATTC, TTC Refresher and other programs. Kanti Devi lead a very inspiring Satsang. After that, Chandra showed the students the experience in Brazil through beautiful pictures. Three courses for beginners began with a plenty participation. Other courses went well, as well. After a Saturday trial class, students signed on for a March Beginners’ courses. We continued teaching in front of the sea on Sunday mornings. We had only three brave students despite to storm threat in the Montevideo city. We had a good participation of the students, in spite of the high temperatures at end of our summer. We also completed all the Beginners courses.

The cleaning of the center is done by the Karma Yogis and teachers. The employee who helps with the cleaning duties is still sick.

During mid-March we offered the Headstand Workshop. The participants learned to be mindful during every step in order to develop their practice. Shambavi, a new Sivananda Teacher, assisted her first class at the Centre. The students were pleased with the class. We offered our regular Pooja to Divine Mother, an inspiring time for everyone. Regular classes, Beginners’ courses and a Positive Thinking Course were well attended. Our Free Class, at seaside, had a three students, in spite of the beginning of Autumn. The students were eagerly involved in housekeeping duties in the Centre. Om Shanti!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montreal Centre! At the beginning of March we had crazy weather with freezing cold temperatures. We were happy to see that crazy weather doesn’t stop our very committed students. Our classes and courses ran smoothly. We had five yoga 1 and 2 courses one week of March; two of them concluded with the last class and one Yoga 1 started with 12 enthusiastic students. We had many subscriptions for the new courses. We welcomed Shakti, who joined the Centre staff for 3 weeks, she was a very good and committed Karma Yogi, doing a great job for the Centre. We chanted uplifting Sunday Prayers, with Swami Shivabhaktananda. We are ever grateful for our Guru’s grace.

During mid-March winter remained. We enjoyed a beautiful snow storm which left 50 cm of snow! Our classes and courses continued very well. We started a Meditation 1 course. We continued our Friday “Om Chanting” meditation course, with Omkaraji. One Saturday we had a deep relaxation workshop, with Bhagirathi, with 24 students who were very happy and recharged after the course. We started a Yoga 1 course and a headstand variation workshop, with Shakti. On Sundays we had our joyful kids’ class uplifting Satsangs with Swami Shivabhaktananda. We are ever grateful for our Gurus’ grace. May they remain in us. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. During the beginning of March we had a Cooking Course about „Sweet Dishes“ that inspired a good group of students. First Sunday oft the month we had an Open House, which was very well attended. The trial class filled the whole yoga hall. We also had several seminars and workshops. First a workshop on the topic “Overcoming Anger” with different practices for creating new thought patterns. We also held a TTC Preparation Day for people interested in taking the Yoga Teachers Training Course. The following weekend many TTCs joined for the Yoga teachers further training “progress in asana correction” to share a day of practicing, learning, and exchanging experiences in the atmosphere of the Centre. Our series of advanced asana workshops continued– we had workshops on lotus variations and the pigeon pose. Different special courses began. A meditation course for Beginners’s’ and the continuation of the course “Thought Power”, with various topics such as overcoming bad moods. The 4 weeks course on the Ramayana began with a good group of students. They enjoy the philosophical topics wrapped in vivid narrations. In our seminar on “Yoga and Detox” participants  learnt how to purify and regenerate body and mind through yoga practice and proper diet. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya from Manhattan. The beginning of March was eventful with many comings and goings. Swami Satyapremanada came from the Ranch to help out for the month while Neeti was away at the Ranch Ashram teaching the TTC Bhagavad Gita class and also to lead an Indian Cooking program before the start of TTC. Among the students taking TTC at the Ranch were two of the Centre’s Karma Yogis, Kara and Marie, as well as staff Nicolas. We had a Deaf Yoga class, as well as the third pranayama workshop, which was well-attended and well-received. Staff are well and ever grateful for the grace and guidance of the Gurus.

During mid-March, by the Grace of the Gurus, all continued well at the Centre. Mirabai, one of our regular Karma Yogis, took advantage of a week off work to join us as a full-time Karma Yogi for a week, and it was wonderful to have her presence, energy, and inspiration here. Swami Satyapremananda left for the Ranch early enough to be ahead of the blizzard that was predicted to start that evening. Because of the storm predictions, NYC closed the subway and bus service, and the Centre cancelled classes for the day, which staff then used as an extra Sadhana day. Though the storm was lighter than predicted, getting around the city was a little more challenging than usual, and class attendance was quiet. Swami Satyapremananda arrived back in time to lead Satsang. After the storm classes picked up again as everyone got back into their regular pace again. We had a Kirtan workshop for a small but enthusiastic group. One Sunday, after the evening Satsang, Mirabai returned home after a week at the Centre. We hope she will join us again soon. Staff are well and send pranams to all. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. Auspicious month with Sivaratri, a peace day and the visit of one of  the Ashram’s priest. God gave us a beautiful and elevating Celebration of Sivaratri. The Meditation room just renovated, hosted 170 people who participated actively on the Pujas an on the chanting. The Priest was there to lead the ceremony. The Masters sent an army of Karma Yogis and teachers to support the staff and to create a cheerful and meditated mood. Our harmonium teacher was there with a group of professional musicians who accompanied the chanting with their instruments and participated in the Puja. A beautiful dance was also performed while the Om Namah Sivaya chanting went on. The students brought many flowers and a beautiful energy. Everyone was awake and full of energy. It was like being in an Indian Temple. The day after, seventy people were there for the trial class. The new visitors seemed open, friendly and eager to start their practice. Uplifting time with the presence of the priest who stayed for few days. He leaded morning Pujas, daily Lalita Sahasranama chanting, Mantra recitation and he told some Siva stories. The Centre looks fresh, luminous, spacious and sattvic. The renovations went on without stressing the running of the Centre. By the 18th of  March, we could use all the rooms again. The house was busy in the evenings with a kirtan course, a nutrition course, a Raja yoga course, an “how to control anger” workshop, a “Concentration” workshop and the regular classes and courses. On the 11th, we had a Peace day with the Om Namo Narayanaya chanting in the afternoon and the projection of the video ‘ In the Name of peace’ during the Satsang. Everyone appreciated the film and felt closer to Swamiji and his teachings. The staff put Prana in the new brochure. We had also two photo shoots in order to have some fresh images. The internet was down from almost one week because of an external wire, which was cut in the neighborhood. Thanks to Lord Ganesha and to Swami Kailasananda’s idea we had partially internet back with a modem from the first floor. The credit card machine and the phone were also not working properly during few days. Spring is in the air. The sun shines most of the time and the chanting of the birds accompanies the morning Satsangs. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. We are forever grateful for the guidance and protection of the Gurus. Pranams to all the Sivananda family. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. At the beginning of March we started a Yoga 4 class, with a good group of serious students. Other courses and open classes ran smoothly. We welcome Silvia, a new teacher, who started to assist the classes. Pranams and prayers for Peace to all from Roma. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. At the beginning of March eleven people happily drew and painted at our Yantra Painting workshop. Anandamayi led a Yoga Nidra session one Sunday afternoon. Sunday Satsang topic was Japa, and a thoughtful discussion ensued. We travelled to Oakland to do some flyer-ing for the Yoga Health Educator Training. Mahashakti traveled to the Yoga Farm for a weekend. A Yoga 4 course finished. The Centre gratefully received a generous inheritance from a former dedicated student.

During mid-March several courses ended: Yoga 1, two Yoga 2’s and a Meditation 1. We started a Yoga 5 course and a new “Joy of Kirtan” course, with much interest. Partha Bose and Indranil Mallick gave a respectful and dynamic sitar concert at the Centre one Friday night then Sankari Chaitanya drove them to the Yoga Farm Ashram to present a concert there the   Saturday night. Stirs the soul. Gajananam spoke about Vedanta and Chapter 10 of the Bhagavad Gita at Sunday Satsang, reminding us that the cause is always in the effect. Am I one or many? The Gurus continued to pave the way. We are very inspired to carry Swamiji’s 60-year mission forward. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with us all always. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya from Sao Paulo. During mid-March activities were developed on a regular basis. Due to a transport strike we had few students but we took advantage of delivering leaflets of diffusion of the Centre in the neighborhood. A new teacher began teaching on Thursday mornings, which alleviates the work of the staff. We received new students for the experimental class. Autumn is coming… Teachers and students remain harmonious and very happy with the activities of the Centre. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of March had a very busy and successful week in the Centre with 4 new courses that started and many registrations for upcoming courses. A Meditation 2 course, with Bhargavi, started 10 students; a new Yoga 1 with Sivakami opened with 15 students; a new Yoga 3 and an Indian Cooking workshop both started with 11 participants. Registration for the upcoming Spring Yoga Retreat proceeded well with 20 rooms filled up out of 30, and another month to go until the retreat starts. We also started a new project of promoting our web site both in organic and paid campaigns. We aimed at doubling the traffic to the website in the next 4 months. One weekend was spent in Neve Shalom where the Passover Retreat will take place. It was the first time we have stayed there overnight and we all fell in love with the place, its beautiful woods, fields, rooms and amazing meditation hall – an acoustic dome called “Silence” in which you can physically touch the profound silence.

During mid-March we have celebrated Purim with a grand feast with over 30 participants, to which everyone came dressed up in fancy costumes as part of the holiday festive and joyous spirit. A new Yoga 2 course opened, with 14 students, and a new Yoga 3 with 12 students. A series of introduction classes were successfully held for upcoming Ayurveda, Meditation and Positive Thinking courses. Registration for the courses picked up quickly. Registration for the upcoming April Yoga Retreat was in its final stages with only four rooms left. One weekend we were overwhelmed with the numbers of guests who came for the Open House program. We taught three full classes simultaneously, with over 60 participants. The atmosphere was very good and everyone was inspired. Pranams to the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of March our Yoga 1 course on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons both concluded. 10 students in total of the 2 classes completed the course and most of them are thinking about proceeding to Yoga 2 course. Shanti Devi finished her service at the Centre. She lived in the Centre for 3 and a half months since the beginning of December as a full-time staff, in charge of management over the Centre. For the last month, she replaced Machiko, the director of Tokyo Centre who has been away in Vietnam to translate TTC there. All staffs were thankful for her dedication and service, and prayed for her success in spiritual growth at her next destination, Vietnam.

During mid-March Swami Sitaramananda and Swami Narayanananda arrived in Japan after completing the programs in Hanoi, Vietnam. The special programs by the two Swamis were held at Tokyo Centre for 3 days. A large number of people participated in Asana classes, lectures and Satsangs. The Centre was immensely vibrant for 3 days. The participants included TTC graduates who finished TTC in India and Vietnam recently. A reunion with Swami Sitaramananda, the main teacher at both TTCs, was exceptionally meaningful for the graduates. Both Swamis then left for China. As for the staff situation, we had a lot of coming-and-going. Machiko, Director of Tokyo Centre, who had been at the Vietnam TTC translating, came back to Japan. Temporary staff, Nalini, left the Centre after her one-month service. Chandrika who had been supporting several courses in India since last December returned to Japan. She then stayed at Tokyo Centre for 2 weeks before leaving Japan to become a staff at Yoga Camp. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of March a morning Yoga 1 course as well as Yoga 1 weekend course started. Our Meditation course finished with group of very dedicated students. Mayavan taught Yoga Anatomy workshop, explaining how each asana works to improve the posture and overall well being. Atmaswaroop worked on taking lots of photos, video clips of different events and testimonials. Saraswati, assisted by Atmaswaroop, taught series of classes at North Toronto high school for very diverse groups of students. Saraswati also finished winter session of classes for Toronto East General Hospital adolescent clinic. We all enjoyed a wonderful North Indian dinner, cooked generously by a new student and shared by all after the Satsang.

During mid-March we started a Beginners’ evening course. We offered a Chanting workshop which helped students pronounce all the basic mantras correctly as well as learning some of our Kirtans so they felt comfortable singing at Satsang. We started preparations for the Yoga Show and signed up all who will help mind the booth and promote the Centre. Atmaswaroop worked on some maintenance projects around the Centre. Students number dropped somewhat for a week as weather in Toronto was turning into a second winter, with snow storms and below freezing temperatures. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of March all were in a celebratory mood as Trivandrum’s annual mammoth Pongaala took place. It is a festival only for women. Lakhs & lakhs of women assembled on the roads and pavements of Trivandrum. They cooked sweet pongal (rice pudding) on the streets as an offering to the Mother Goddess Aattu Kkal Amma. The most amazing thing was instead of cooking on a gas or an electric stove, they use the ancient method of placing their mud pots on bricks over a wood fire. The city roads had to be closed, so there were no classes at the Centre that day. Instead, the staff provided water and ingredients to many female students, teachers and Karma Yogis whilst they cooked their pongal on the road outside of the Centre and waited for one of a huge team of priests to come around to officially make their offering. Our Biogas plant was not working properly for the past many weeks. Along with the accumulated food waste there were also worms in it. The company people where charging huge amount to repair it. Our Karma Yogis Unnikrishnan & Abraham took initiative to repair it. We are really grateful for their selfless service. Satsang was led by Sri. Shibin.

During mid-March the Centre conducted a yoga program for a local Malayalam TV channel, focusing on the programs related to the female students. The telecast date yet to be annouced. Our teacher, Priya, presented the program. We conducted Ganapathy Homa for the first day of the new Malayalam month. The classes continued smoothly. Satsang was led by Sri Shibin. We distributed Prasad to everyone. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. Classes and courses were going on as usual and also the advanced classes are well received, and our students are inspired to continue with their Yoga practice. The Positive Thinking course and also the meditation course, both of which started this month, gave us the opportunity to talk about the topics such as Japa Yoga, group experience, thought control, focus on the inner energy Centres, etc. The weekend workshop on “Yoga and Stress-response” turned out to be well received. Karma Yogis are inspired to help in the various departments. The Open House in this month attracted some 20 newcomers and we had many course inscriptions because students took advantage of the price reductions on that day. Also, our regular evening meditations are attracting more and more students and Yoga teachers. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. Highlight of the month was celebration of Sivaratri. We were happy to see over forty students participating in Sivaratri night and more than half staying till the end. There were performed three Pujas and energy was kept up by continuous singing of the Siva mantra. We had also preparation for the TTC day, where all students stayed for the full day activities. One from them subscribed for the TTC in Lithuania.  We held a cooking class focussing on yogic sweets. Half year brochure was received from the printer and we send out leaflets to Russia for the TTC`s in Lithuania and Poland. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius